Syrian Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Murhaf Abu Qasra announced that Presidential Decree No. 147 of 2026, issued by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, establishes the National University for Defense Sciences. This decree is the culmination of months of work, research, and reviews of Arab and regional military education models, resulting in a national vision to reorganize military education and provide it with broader prospects.
Integration of Military Institutions
Writing on X, Abu Qasra stated that the university brings together the Higher Military Academy, the air, naval, and military colleges, the Higher Institute for Applied Sciences and Technology, and military technical institutes under a single framework. This integration aims to enhance integration among military qualifications, academic specializations, and practical training.
The minister added that the Ministry of Defense will use the university to develop curricula, research, and training programs. It will prepare officers and non-commissioned officers in required specializations and establish a stronger scientific and military education pathway.
Strategic Step for Higher Education
Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marwan Al-Halabi said that Presidential Decrees No. 146 and 147 of 2026, establishing the Syrian University for Security Sciences and the National University for Defense Sciences, represent a strategic step in developing specialized higher education in the fields of security and defense.
In a statement, Al-Halabi explained that the two decrees reflect the state's vision for advancing specialized higher education by strengthening the integration of academic knowledge with practical applications. The initiative aims to prepare highly qualified national cadres capable of meeting the needs of national institutions in line with advanced academic and training standards.
Research and Modern Sciences
The minister added that the two universities will include colleges, institutes, and advanced research and training centers. They will help build an integrated educational system in the fields of security and defense while promoting applied scientific research and keeping pace with developments in modern sciences, particularly technology, security sciences, and cyberspace.
Al-Halabi confirmed that the Ministry of Higher Education is fully prepared to cooperate with the relevant authorities to activate the two institutions and support their academic mission.
